![\"James](\"https:\/\/dailybusinessgroup.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/James-Watt-and-pint-of-IPA.png\")
BrewDog co-founder James Watt is prepared to commit \u00a310 million of his personal wealth to a private equity backed bid to buy back the business, according to City sources.<\/p>\n
Speculation has been swirling for several weeks about Mr Watt\u2019s likely interest in returning to the Aberdeenshire company he set up with Martin Dickie.<\/p>\n
Alix Partners were called in earlier this month to consider options for the business, including a break up of the assets.<\/p>\n
According to Sky News <\/em>Mr Watt is keen to acquire the group in its entirety. BrewDog owns breweries in Aberdeenshire, Australia, Germany and the US, as well as a chain of pubs and hotels. <\/p>\n The current ownership structure entitles 23% owner TSG Consumer Partners to wipe out 220,000 retail investors because of the preference shares it holds.<\/p>\n Mr Watt is said to be considering a move that would safeguard the interests of its \u201cpunk\u201d investors who collectively own about a fifth of the company while he would hold about half the firm.<\/p>\n It is understood he will be among the final bidders, including a number of brewers, which will be submitting offers this week.<\/p>\n Mr Watt, who stepped back from day-to-day running of the company in 2024, was drawn into a dispute with some employees over his running of the company.<\/p>\n The company is now under new management which is attempting to restore profitability. The company\u2019s last accounts showed a \u00a336.6 million loss. <\/p>\n Current chief executive James Taylor has closed a number of pubs in the UK and US, as well as its distillery adjacent to the Ellon brewery.<\/p>\n \t <\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dailybusinessgroup.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BrewDog-and-Watt-buy-speculation.png\")